Car turns over, then stops suddenly

[scubthebub]

I've got a 92 944 with about 108k miles

I replaced the headgasket and havn't been able to start it since. I've just recently replaced the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil wire, and coil. I got some starter fluid to see if that would kind of jump start it, but it didn't help.

When i turn the key it will start to turn over, then seem to hit a wall and obruptly stop turning over (dash lights go out and the gauges all die) and then starts turning over again. Sometimes when after trying to start it the oil light will come on, even it's full of fresh oil. I'd really like to get the car out of my driveway.

Any ideas what it could be, or what to check next?

[Jacob Krizan]

Half dead battery thats not puting out enough cranking amps?

Just a guess....

best of luck

[Jordan]

having this same problem with my car. my problem seems to be battery being out and on concrete for a while drained it. got it on a jump box giving it more power though.

[240Psycho]

make sure the timing belt is all timed up right, Steve-o740s car wanted to start in reverse, cause he had the cam off by 180 degrees

[Lord_Athlon]

It could be the starter solenoid, it could be cam timing or ignition timing lighting the mixture on the compression stroke

[scubthebub]

Originally Posted by Lord_Athlon

It could be the starter solenoid, it could be cam timing or ignition timing lighting the mixture on the compression stroke

The timing belt is correct because the timing marks lined up on all 3 wheels, how would i check the other items.

[aleekat]

Originally Posted by Jacob Krizan

Half dead battery thats not puting out enough cranking amps?

Just a guess....

best of luck

I agree. Have you tried to jump start it?

[scubthebub]

Originally Posted by aleekat

I agree. Have you tried to jump start it?

yea i've got one of those battery tenders/jump start things. Although i don't know if i tust it, i'll try a new battery. Free 2 year replacement

[96DTM850]

Try a new battery or check the bettery terminals to make sure they're tight...I know I had a loose terminal before had the same problems you're describing. Sounds like you're not getting enough amps.

[undrtw]

Originally Posted by Fiend

my problem seems to be battery being out and on concrete for a while drained it.

You my friend, are WRONG! Don't blame the concrete.


Regarding today's batteries, this is a myth. A battery placed on concrete will not discharge any faster, but a battery will discharge over a period of time wherever it is placed. If the battery has a surface layer of acid or grime which is conductive, the battery will self-discharge more rapidly than if it were clean and dry.

This myth does have some historical basis. Many years ago, wooden battery cases encased a glass jar with the battery in it. Any moisture on the floor could cause the wood to swell and possibly fracture the glass, causing it to leak. Later came the introduction of the "hard rubber" cases, which were somewhat porous. A current could be conducted through this container, which had a high carbon content, if the moist concrete floor permitted the current to find an electrical ground. The wise advise of the old days to "not store batteries on concrete" has apparently been passed down to us today, but it no longer applies.

curtis

[yieldsign2]

Originally Posted by undrtw

You my friend, are WRONG! Don't blame the concrete.


Regarding today's batteries, this is a myth. A battery placed on concrete will not discharge any faster, but a battery will discharge over a period of time wherever it is placed. If the battery has a surface layer of acid or grime which is conductive, the battery will self-discharge more rapidly than if it were clean and dry.

This myth does have some historical basis. Many years ago, wooden battery cases encased a glass jar with the battery in it. Any moisture on the floor could cause the wood to swell and possibly fracture the glass, causing it to leak. Later came the introduction of the "hard rubber" cases, which were somewhat porous. A current could be conducted through this container, which had a high carbon content, if the moist concrete floor permitted the current to find an electrical ground. The wise advise of the old days to "not store batteries on concrete" has apparently been passed down to us today, but it no longer applies.

curtis

Are you sure the warning about concrete doesnt have more to do with temperature? Concrete is generally cooler temps then putting it on dirt, gravel, cardboard, wood, etc. Cold is a problem for batteries. They drain faster, and if they are not charged, and sit in teh cold the plates will warp and cause shorts, and thus a dead battery.

[redrocket]

Pull the starter and have it tested. Check your wire connections at distributor/plugs.

I tried to start a car with the crank 180 degrees out (8v safe engine), it had enough fuel in the combustion chamber to kick over a few turns and kicked huge backfiring bangs of smoke out of the throttle body!! LOL just about poo'd myself, but no harm done to it!

[Three Fat Tigers]

Check the plug wire firing order:

4312
4
3
2
1

Otherwise, pull the #1 plug, visually/physically verify the piston at TDC and then check the cam timing mark again.